The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is the largest nearly intact natural area remaining in the contiguous United States. Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks, seven national forests, and two national wildlife refuges comprise most of its acreage, while federal, state, and private lands also provide essential buffers to this ecosystem and its free-roaming wildlife. Bison, elk, bears, and eagles once thrived nationwide, but now these and many other species survive in this island of hope. Preservation of this ecosystem and the wildlife it supports will mean much to future generations.